After a long year of virtual meals, cocktail hours, and takeaways, Bailliage members were ecstatic to once again share the pleasures of the table together. Appropriately we celebrated “The End of Prohibition” at Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern. Though our attendance was limited due to ongoing restrictions the mood was expansive and hopeful for the resumption of in-person events.

The Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern always provides a warm and elegant setting for our events - this latest one being our eleventh Chaîne dinner with Maitre Rôtisseur Daniel Schurr and his excellent staff. We were especially excited to see what culinary delights he had in store for the evening. Since before his induction in 2002, Chef Daniel has been tempting our palates and expanding our culinary horizons.

Located in the elegantly-restored Dodd-Hinsdale house (dating from circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, and gourmet cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience. The 32 attendees lucky to secure a seat at this event started the evening off with a glass of Zahringer Cuvée Blanc 2019 while they socialized and caught up with everyone.

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Sautéed jumbo lump crabcake
grilled polenta, roasted poblano
charred asparagus, bok choy
cumin-scented kabocha squash
roasted tomatillo sauce
Matthews Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Columbia Valley, USA

Marinated grilled Kvarøy Arctic salmon
smoked oyster mushroom and tomato risotto
braised savoy cabbage, cucumber salad
saffron and red pepper emulsion
Antolini Corvina Veronese IGT 2016 - Italy

Slow-roasted Pennsylvania duck leg salad
fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, smoked corn slaw
gem lettuce, bacon cider vinegar jus
Casa Alle Vacche, I Macchioni Cru Vernaccia 2019 - Italy

Mango sorbet

Mustard and rosemary grilled Australian lamb rack
niçoise fingerling potatoes, crispy phyllo cup
garlicky spinach, Moroccan spiced cauliflower and carrots
balsamic dried cherry sauce
Bolgheri Poggio ai Ginepri 2016
Tenuta Argentiera - Tuscany Italy

Dried cherry and sweet potato bread pudding
Viñedo de los Vientos ‘Alcyone’ Tannat NV - Uruguay

The staff’s impeccable service placed a high value on detail and attentiveness. This served to elevate the dining experience. The wine pairing was carefully considered, demonstrated by the surprising success of the Antolini Corvina Veronese partnering the salmon.

The Bailliage’s traditional vertical intermezzo provided members with time to digest and discourse. The combination of camaraderie and cuisine nourished our group after the long period of isolation.

Upon completion of the dinner, Bailli Cameron Bridger presented Maître Rôtisseur Daniel Schurr with a cutting board to show our appreciation of another excellently-executed Chaîne event. The staff were presented with Bailliage of Triangle pins which they wear with honour as Second Empire Restaurant is one of the Bailliage’s professional Chaîne establishments.

Sandy Mera Bridger
Chargée de Presse Provincial, South Central

Photographer: Cameron Bridger